Inaugural

I try to tell Patrick about human beings and government, and the lengths to which people throughout the centuries have gone to seize and retain control. I talk about monarchies and tyrants and injustice in an effort to impress upon him the near-miraculous qualities of democracy and the stirring importance of a peaceful transition of power. I tell him that today is meaningful; that the handshakes and the speeches are symbolic but the message is vital. We are lucky enough to be citizens of a great nation. We have rights. We have responsibilities. But beyond the civics lesson and apart from the politics, I try to tell Patrick that today carries an even more profound significance. I talk about slavery and I talk about segregation and as I look at the incredulity and disgust reflected in Patrick's face I feel embarrassed.

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"You did WHAT?" he asks, and the heavy mantle of hundreds of years of hatred and fear descends squarely upon my shoulders.

How do you explain slavery? How do you talk about whites-only hospitals and children being escorted into school by guns and dogs? The shame of our collective history is almost beyond bearing and I struggle to find the words to explain so much cruelty and ignorance. And yet I feel fortunate that even as I use it I recognize that the language of extreme racism is as alien to me as it is to Patrick. I am proud that the days of explicit exclusion are behind us; and I feel hopeful that the ugliness of tacit discrimination will become a thing of the past as well.

Last night Edward took two unassisted steps and this morning Caroline managed one. Even though I know that billions of babies have taken billions of steps before them I still squealed and clapped in amazement as first one and then the other tottered forwarded; their faces split with pride. As a parent you want your children to accomplish anything they desire. As a human being you want all children, everywhere, to be able to do the same. When barriers fall we all move forward.

Regardless of who you supported in the last election I hope you enjoy this day - this celebration of the peaceful strength and the unshakable will of the people - and the message it carries for the children we are raising: you can do anything.

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